Eviction before vendors’ list may violate HC order: Special officer
Shillong, July 13: Pending preparation of a list of authorised or licensed hawkers, the Meghalaya High Court-appointed special officer for relocation of hawkers has advised East Khasi Hills district administration against carrying out an eviction drive at Khyndailad.
Citing a high court order for preparation of the list in consultation with hawkers’ association and local authorities, the special officer and senior advocate Subhasis Chakrawarty told the district administration that any eviction drive at this stage would be a clear violation of the court order.
The special officer, in a letter to deputy commissioner RM Kurbah, advised her to refrain from carrying out the eviction drive without complying with the court directive.
“…the question of who are the un-licensed street hawkers at Khyndailad area remained undetermined,” he wrote to the DC while responding her letter on July 8 addressed to chief executive officer (CEO) of Shillong Municipal Board (SMB).
Earlier, in its order on July 3, the High Court stated: “Under the special officer and in consultation with the general secretary, Hawkers’ Association, the local and police authorities will prepare a list of authorised or licensed vendors which are stated to be around 349.”
The court had directed that licensed vendors will be allowed to vend merchandise at Khyndailad (Police Bazar) area for limited hours (12:30 pm to 2 pm and 7:30 pm to 9 pm), subject to their undertaking not to exceed the time limit and disrupt traffic flow or human movement.
“Unlicensed vendors will not be allowed to sell goods in the area,” the high court order stated.
The court had also directed that hawkers will shift to alternative vending areas once provided by the local authority, and other hawkers can apply for valid licenses.
The special officer was directed to ensure peaceful implementation of the court’s orders and submit a report by 5 August 2025.
